Electronic apparatus, method for controlling the same, and storage medium

ABSTRACT

Display is appropriately switched between an EVF display and a rear display of a camera based on proximity detection. A proximity detection unit detects proximity of a user viewing through the EVF. An orientation detection unit detects an orientation of the camera main body. If the proximity detection unit detects proximity within a predetermined threshold, a system control unit switches display to display of the EVF. If the orientation detection unit detects a predetermined motion, the system control unit changes a threshold of the proximity detection to a value indicating a distance far from the EVF.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates to an electronic apparatus, a method forcontrolling the same, and a storage medium.

Description of the Related Art

Some electronic apparatuses equipped with a display device detectproximity of a user based on detection information from a humandetection sensor, such as a proximity detection unit built into theapparatuses, and control the display device based on the detectedproximity.

For example, recent digital cameras include a liquid crystal monitor ontheir rear portion in addition to an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and areconfigured to be able to use both the EVF and the liquid crystal monitorto check composition of objects. Such a configuration usually enablesimage display of either the EVF or liquid crystal monitor in view ofreduction in power consumption. In other words, if the user viewsthrough a viewing window of the EVF, the image display on the EVF isenabled and liquid crystal monitor's image display is turned off. If theviewing window of the EVF is not closed and external light is incidentthereon, the image display on the EVF is turned off and the liquidcrystal monitor's image display is enabled. For such a control, aproximity sensor for detecting proximity of an object, e.g., thephotographer's face, to the viewing window of the EVF is arranged on ornear the viewing window.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-252526 discusses atelevision set that turns on its power if a light detection unit and ahuman detection unit determine that lighting is on and a person ispresent in the vicinity of the television set.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-339627 discusses animaging apparatus using an EVF. The imaging apparatus turns on power tothe imaging apparatus's display device if a proximity sensor detectsthat the EVF is being viewed through. The EVF can thus be powered off toreduce power consumption in situations where a display image of the EVFis not viewed by a user.

In general, display devices need a plurality of types of positive andnegative voltages to drive their display elements. To reduce powerconsumption, the generation of such driving voltages can be stoppedduring periods in which no user is needed. It takes some time for aboosting or step-down operation for generating a driving voltage tocomplete and for the driving voltage to stabilize. An image display of adisplay device is typically enabled after stabilization of the drivingvoltages. Even if the proximity of a user is detected by a proximitydetection unit, it can be difficult to immediately provide stabledisplay on the display device.

The proximity detection unit can erroneously detect proximity andperform control on the display device even if the user is not operatingthe electronic apparatus. If the user walks with an electronicapparatus, such as an imaging apparatus, around the user's neck, theimaging apparatus swings and the back of the imaging apparatus can comeinto contact with and move away from the user's abdomen. If the back ofthe imaging apparatus comes into contact with or approaches the user'sabdomen, the proximity detection unit detects the proximity. If the backof the imaging apparatus moves away from the user's abdomen, theproximity detection unit does not detect proximity. In other words, whenthe user walks with an electronic apparatus that detects proximity of ahuman body and controls a display device based on the detectedproximity, the user's motion can result in the electronic apparatus canrepeatedly switch from detecting proximity to not detecting proximity.This causes the display device to repeatedly drive (turn-on) and stop(turn-off), resulting in unnecessary power consumption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to an electronic apparatus that moresuitably performs processing based on proximity detection and a methodfor controlling the electronic apparatus.

According to an aspect of the embodiments, an electronic apparatusincludes a motion detection unit configured to detect a motion of theelectronic apparatus, a proximity detection unit configured to detectproximity of an object, a display unit configured to be viewable whenview through an eyepiece part, and a control unit configured to, in acase where proximity detection information from the proximity detectionunit corresponds to a distance closer than a threshold, perform controlto start display on the display unit, and configured to, in a case wherethe motion detection unit detects a first motion, change the thresholdto a value corresponding to a greater distance.

According to another aspect of the embodiments, an electronic apparatusincludes a motion detection unit configured to detect a motion of theelectronic apparatus, a proximity detection unit configured to detectproximity of an object, a display unit configured to be viewable whenviewed through an eyepiece part, and a control unit configured to, in acase where proximity detection information from the proximity detectionunit corresponds to a distance closer than a threshold, perform controlto start display on the display unit, and configured to, in a case wherethe motion detection unit detects a second motion, stop a detectionoperation of the proximity detection unit or stop the control of thedisplay on the display unit based on a detection result from theproximity detection unit.

Further features will become apparent from the following description ofexemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear view of an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a proximity detection unit.

FIG. 4A is an operation flowchart according to the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4B is an operation flowchart according to the exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are state transition diagrams according to theexemplary embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An exemplary embodiment will be described in detail below with referenceto the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a rear view of an imaging apparatus that is an exemplaryembodiment of the electronic apparatus. FIG. 2 is a schematic blockdiagram illustrating a configuration of the imaging apparatus.

An imaging apparatus 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a cameramain body 12 and a lens unit 14 that is detachable from the camera mainbody 12.

The lens unit 14 includes a lens 16, a diaphragm 18, and a lens controlunit 20. The lens control unit 20 controls the lens 16 and the diaphragm18 based on a control signal from a system control unit 30 of the cameramain body 12. The lens unit 14 is fixed to the camera main body 12 bymechanically coupling a mount 22 of the lens unit 14 with a mount 72 ofthe camera main body 12. With the lens unit 14 fixed to the camera mainbody 12, a connector 24 of the lens unit 14 is electrically connected toa connector 74 of the camera main body 12. The lens control unit 20communicates with the system control unit 30 via the connectors 74 and24.

The lens control unit 20 controls the entire lens unit 14. The lenscontrol unit 20 includes a built-in memory that stores constants,variables, and programs for operation. The lens control unit 20 alsoincludes a nonvolatile memory that stores identification informationsuch as a number unit to the lens unit 14, management information,functional information such as a maximum aperture value, a minimumaperture value, and a focal length, and past and present setting values.The lens control unit 20 includes an automatic focusing (AF) function ofchanging an image forming position of an object image incident on animage sensor 42 by controlling focusing of the lens 16 based on afocusing state measured by an image processing unit 44. The lens controlunit 20 also includes a function of controlling the aperture value ofthe diaphragm 18 and the zooming of the lens 16.

A configuration of the camera main body 12 will now be described. Thesystem control unit 30 includes a central processing unit (CPU) thatcontrols the entire imaging apparatus 10 using a system memory 32. Anelectrically erasable and recordable nonvolatile memory 34 storessetting values, an imaging mode, and various types of correction data.Examples of the setting values include various parameters and anInternational Organization for Standardization (ISO) speed. Thenonvolatile memory 34 also stores a computer program that runs on thesystem control unit 30.

An operation unit 36 is an operation unit for inputting various types ofpredetermined operation instructions into the system control unit 30.The operation unit 36 includes any one of a switch, a dial, a touchpanel, a line of sight detection pointing device, or a voice recognitiondevice, or any combination of thereof.

A power switch 38 is used to power on/off the imaging apparatus 10 andto make mode switch settings.

A power supply unit 40 includes a battery, a battery detection unit, acurrent detection unit, a protection circuit, adirect-current-to-direct-current (DCDC) converter, and a low dropout(LDO) regulator. The power supply unit 40 supplies desired power supplyvoltages generated by the DCDC converter to the components of theimaging apparatus 10 for desired periods based on instructions from thesystem control unit 30. The power supply unit 40 detects the presence orabsence of an attached battery, and the type and remaining level of thebattery. When an overcurrent is detected, the power supply unit 40 cutsoff the voltage outputs to protect load circuits.

The image sensor 42 is a sensor for converting an optical image formedby the lens unit 14 and incident on its imaging plane into an imagesignal. The image processing unit 44 performs predetermined calculationprocessing on the image signal output from the image sensor 42, andapplies pixel processing based on the calculation result to generatevideo data of a predetermined video signal format. Examples of the pixelprocessing include pixel interpolation processing, color conversionprocessing, and white balance processing. The image processing unit 44temporarily stores the generated video data in a memory 46. The imageprocessing unit 44 includes a Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG)image compression function.

A recording circuit 48 is a circuit for recording the video datatemporarily stored in the memory 46 on a removable recording medium,such as a semiconductor memory, and reproducing video data from therecording medium.

The system control unit 30 determines the aperture value of thediaphragm 18 and shutter speed of a shutter 50 based on exposureinformation from the image processing unit 44. The system control unit30 controls the shutter 50 to the determined shutter speed via a shuttercontrol unit 52, and controls the diaphragm 18 to the determinedaperture value via the lens control unit 20. The system control unit 30controls image display of the video data temporarily stored in thememory 46 on a display 54 and an EVF 56.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the display 54 size can occupy a large area onthe back of the camera main body 12. The EVF 56 is a display unitarranged in a viewing window located above the display 54. A screen ofthe EVF 56 is viewed by viewing through the viewing window. An outputlens window 70 a and a light receiving lens window 70 b of a proximitydetection unit 70 are arranged directly below the viewing window. Theproximity detection unit 70 detects a state of proximity or a degree ofthe same up to a view-through state in which the user (photographer)presses an eye against the viewing window.

The display 54 includes an organic electroluminescent (EL) display or aliquid crystal display. For example, the display 54 includes a liquidcrystal display that includes a transmissive liquid crystal panel of athin film transistor active matrix driving method. Each display elementof the liquid crystal panel includes red, green, and blue (RGB), threesub pixels including color filters of the three colors RGB arranged ontop of liquid crystals. Polarization filters for suppressing theoscillation directions of light to one direction are arranged on bottomof the liquid crystals and on top of the color filters. A displaydriving unit 58 adjusts voltages applied to the respective sub pixels,whereby the transmittance of light emitted from a backlight 60 can beadjusted to display a desired image in gradations.

If a self-luminescence display such as an organic EL display is employedas the display 54, the backlight 60 is not needed.

The display driving unit 58 supplies a driving timing signal for drivingthe display 54. The display driving unit 58 includes a built-in boostingunit and step-down unit for generating driving voltages of the displayelements of the display 54. The display driving unit 58 applies thegenerated driving voltages to the display 54 in synchronization with thedriving timing signal.

An illumination luminance control unit 62 can adjust the illuminationluminance of the backlight 60 stepwise. The illumination luminancecontrol unit 62 linearly changes the illumination luminance by limitingthe amount of current applied to the light emitter of the backlight 60based on a pulse width moderation (PWM) control signal from the systemcontrol unit 30. The backlight 60 includes a light source such as alight-emitting diode (LED), a fluorescent tube, and an organic ELelement, and a light guide plate, a reflection plate, and a diffusionplate for implementing plane emission of light output from the lightsource. The backlight 60 is fixed to a rear surface of the display 54and projects light on the rear surface of the display 54.

A touch panel 64 is arranged on a top surface of the display 54.Examples of a touch detection method of the touch panel 64 include aresistive method, a capacitive method, and an optical method. Thepresent exemplary embodiment can use any of these methods.

The EVF 56 includes a flat display, such as an organic EL display, and aliquid crystal display. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the EVF 56 is arrangedinside the viewing window in an upper portion of the rear surface of thecamera main body 12.

The organic EL display of the EVF 56 includes a built-in organic ELpanel of the thin film transistor active matrix driving method. Eachdisplay element of the organic EL panel includes R, G, and B, threeorganic EL elements. The organic EL elements emit light when a voltageis applied thereto. Driving voltages applied from an EVF driving unit 66to the respective organic EL elements can be adjusted to control theamounts of light in the respective colors and display a desired image ingradations.

The EVF driving unit 66 supplies a driving timing signal for driving theEVF 56 to the EVF 56. The EVF driving unit 66 includes a built-inboosting unit and step-down unit for generating the driving voltages ofthe EVF 56. The EVF driving unit 66 applies the generated drivingvoltages to the EVF 56 in synchronization with the driving timingsignal.

The system control unit 30 can display a menu screen, an image, and liveview display on both the display and the EVF 56. The system control unit30 independently controls display on the display 54 and that of the EVF56 on/off based on operations from the operation unit 36. The systemcontrol unit 30 controls display switching between the display 54 andthe EVF 56 based on a detection result from a proximity detection unit70.

An orientation detection unit 68 detects orientation of the camera mainbody 12 with respect to the direction of gravity. Based on theorientation detected by the orientation detection unit 68, the systemcontrol unit 30 determines in what orientation of the camera main body12 a captured image is captured. The system control unit adds directioninformation based on the orientation detected by the orientationdetection unit 68 to an image file of the captured image, and, ifneeded, rotates and records the captured image in a specified direction.The orientation detection unit 68 includes an acceleration sensor.

The proximity detection unit 70 is arranged below the EVF 56. Theproximity detection unit 70 detects a state of proximity or a degree ofthe same (proximity distance) up to a view-through state in which theuser presses an eye against the viewing window. If the system controlunit 30 obtains proximity detection information from the proximitydetection unit 70, the system control unit 30 performs display switchingto stop display on the display 54 and enable display on the EVF 56.

The proximity detection unit 70 includes, for example, an infraredemission element and a light receiving circuit. The proximity detectionunit 70 emits infrared rays at regular intervals and measures the amountof reflected light to detect the presence or absence of an object in apredetermined position. The proximity detection unit 70 externally emitsoutput infrared rays (probe light) from the infrared emission elementthrough an output lens window 70 a (FIG. 1), and receives reflectedlight of the probe light from the object, e.g., the photographer,through a light receiving lens window 70 b (FIG. 1). The proximitydetection unit 70 can detect a distance between the camera main body 12and the photographer with a plurality of levels of detection thresholds.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the proximity detectionunit 70. An external interface 302 of the proximity detection unit 70 isconnected to the system control unit 30. The system control unit 30controls the proximity detection unit 70 and receives a proximitydetection result from the proximity detection unit 70.

A light emission element control unit 304 can drive an infrared emissionelement 306 and increase and decrease its driving current. If thedriving current increases, a light emission intensity of the infraredemission element 306 increases. Output light of the infrared emissionelement 306 is externally emitted via the output lens window 70 a.

The light radiated from the output lens window 70 a is reflected by anobject 320. The reflected light is collected through the light receivinglens window 70 b and incident on a light receiving element 308. Anamplifier unit 310 amplifies an output electrical signal of the lightreceiving element 308. An analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion unit 312converts an analog output signal of the amplifier unit 310 into adigital signal.

A logic control unit 314 controls turn-on/off timing of the infraredemission element 306, and generates an accumulation/reset timing signalof the light receiving element 308. The logic control unit 314determines the proximity distance or the degree of proximity bycomparing an output value of the A/D conversion unit 312 with theplurality of detection thresholds. The logic control unit 314 can changethe detection threshold between the plurality of levels. The logiccontrol unit 314 notifies the system control unit 30 of a proximitydetermination result via the external interface 302.

The object 320 is basically a part of the face or body of the user ofthe imaging apparatus 10, i.e., the photographer. The proximitydetection unit 70 detects proximity of any object that reflects thelight radiated from the output lens window 70 a.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowcharts illustrating an imaging operationaccording to the present exemplary embodiment. A program forimplementing the processing illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B is stored inthe nonvolatile memory 34. The system control unit 30 reads and loadsthe program from the nonvolatile memory 34 into the system memory 32,and executes the program. The system control unit 30 thereby implementsthe processing illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. If the user turns on thepower switch 38, the imaging apparatus 10 is activated and the systemcontrol unit 30 starts the processing illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

In step S401, the system control unit 30 activates the orientationdetection unit 68 and the proximity detection unit 70, and starts anoperation of the orientation detection unit 68 and the proximitydetection unit 70. The system control unit 30 starts display on thedisplay 54. For example, the system control unit 30 displays a live viewimage captured by the image sensor 42 and various types of settinginformation. The system control unit 30 starts a timer for measuringnon-operation time.

In step S402, the system control unit 30 obtains an orientationdetection output from the orientation detection unit 68 and performsorientation detection calculation processing. By the orientationdetection calculation processing, the system control unit 30 determineswhether the user is making a walking motion or an eyepiece imagingpreparation motion. If the user is making a walking motion, orientationinformation obtained from the orientation detection unit 68 oscillatesbased on the movement of the user's feet. The orientation informationthen shows periodic, almost constant changes in acceleration in thevertical and horizontal directions. If the user is making an eyepieceimaging preparation motion, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D,the user quickly moves the imaging apparatus 10 for eyepiece imagingfrom an on-hand operation state or live view imaging state. As a result,the orientation information includes a large change in acceleration inthe vertical or horizontal direction. The system control unit 30 candetermine the user motion based on such a difference. For example, if achange or movement greater than or equal to a predetermined amount ofchange in the vertical or horizontal direction is observed, the systemcontrol unit 30 determines that the user is making an eyepiece imagingpreparation motion.

In step S403, the system control unit 30 determines whether thedetermination result in step S402 indicates a walking motion. If thedetermination result indicates a walking motion (YES in step S403), theprocessing proceeds to step S404. If not (NO in step S403), theprocessing proceeds to step S419.

In step S404, the system control unit 30 stops a detection operation ofthe proximity detection unit 70. The detection operation of theproximity detection unit 70 can be stopped to avoid erroneous detectionof the proximity detection unit 70 while the user is walking.

In step S405, the system control unit 30 changes time (a threshold oftime) before the imaging apparatus 10 enters a power saving mode (powersaving mode shift time) from an initial value T0 to a shorterpredetermined time T1. For example, if the initial value T0 of the timebefore the imaging apparatus 10 enters the power saving mode is 60seconds, the system control unit 30 sets the predetermined time T1 toshorter time, e.g., 30 seconds. The power saving mode refers to a statein which an operation of some of the functions of the imaging apparatus10 is stopped. In the power saving mode, standby power of the imagingapparatus 10 can be reduced, compared to a normal operation mode. Forexample, in the power saving mode, the system control unit 30 hides thedisplay on the display 54 and turns off the backlight 60. Other examplesof the power saving mode can include a mode in which the emissionintensity of the backlight 60 is reduced to reduce display luminance ofdisplay 54, and a mode in which the driving of the touch panel 64 isstopped. By such a control, the imaging apparatus 10 can enter the powersaving mode of low power consumption early if the imaging apparatus 10is not in use, like when the user is holding the imaging apparatus 10while walking or imaging apparatus 10 is hanging from the user's neckwhile the user is walking.

In step S406, the system control unit 30 obtains the orientationdetection output from the orientation detection unit 68 and performsorientation detection calculation processing. The orientation detectioncalculation processing is calculation processing for determining whetherthe user is making preparations for eyepiece imaging in which an eye isbrought close to the EVF 56. Here, a situation such that the user looksfor an object during walking, finds one, and then makes an eyepieceimaging preparation motion is assumed.

In step S407, the system control unit 30 determines, based on acalculation result of step S406, whether an eyepiece imaging preparationmotion is detected. If an eyepiece imaging preparation motion isdetermined to be detected (YES in step S407), the processing proceeds tostep S408. In step S408, the system control unit 30 changes the powersaving mode shift time from T1 back to the initial value T0 beforechange. In step S409, the system control unit 30 resumes the detectionoperation of the proximity detection unit 70. The processing thenproceeds to step S420.

In step S407, if the user is not making an eyepiece imaging preparationmotion (NO in step S407), the processing proceeds to step S410. In stepS410, the system control unit 30 determines whether there is an inputfrom the operation unit 36. If there is an input from the operation unit36 (YES in step S410), the processing proceeds to step S411. If there isno input from the operation unit 36 (NO in step S410), the processingproceeds to step S412.

In step S411, the system control unit 30 executes processing based onthe operation. The system control unit 30 changes the power saving modeshift time back to the initial value T0, and resets and resumesmeasurement of the non-operation time. If the operation of the proximitydetection unit 70 has stopped, the system control unit 30 resumes thedetection operation of the proximity detection unit 70. Examples of theprocessing based on the operation include processing for changing animaging setting and imaging processing. After step S411, the processingproceeds to step S417.

In step S412, the system control unit 30 determines whether thenon-operation time has reached T1. If the non-operation time has notreached T1 (NO in step S412), the processing returns to step S406. Thesystem control unit 30 then repeats step S406 and subsequent steps. Ifthe non-operation time has reached T1 (YES in step S412), the processingproceeds to step S413.

In step S413, the system control unit 30 changes the power saving modeshift time from T1 back to the initial value T0. In step S414, thesystem control unit 30 changes the operation mode from the normaloperation mode to the power saving mode. This reduces the powerconsumption of the imaging apparatus 10. The system control unit 30 canstop the operation of the orientation detection unit 68 and theproximity detection unit 70.

In step S415, the system control unit 30 determines whether theoperation unit 36 is operated. If the operation unit 36 is not operated(NO in step S415), the processing returns to step S415, whereby thesystem control unit 30 waits for an operation input from the operationunit 36. If there is an operation input from the operation unit 36 (YESin step S415), the processing proceeds to step S416.

In step S416, the system control unit 30 cancels the power saving modeand enters the normal operation mode. The processing then proceeds tostep S417. If the operation of the orientation detection unit 68 and theproximity detection unit 70 has been stopped, the system control unit 30resumes the operation of the orientation detection unit 68 and theproximity detection unit 70. The system control unit 30 resets andresumes the measurement of the non-operation time.

In step S419, the system control unit 30 determines whether an eyepieceimaging preparation motion is detected. If an eyepiece imagingpreparation motion is not detected (NO in step S419), the processingproceeds to step S438. If an eyepiece imaging preparation motion isdetected (YES in step S419), the processing proceeds to step S420.

In step S438, the system control unit 30 determines whether proximity isdetected by the proximity detection unit 70. The system control unit 30determines whether an object is closer than a proximity distancethreshold TH1. If proximity is detected, i.e., the object is determinedto be closer than the proximity distance threshold TH1 (YES in stepS438), the processing proceeds to step S423. If not (NO in step S438),the processing proceeds to step S417.

In step S420, the system control unit 30 changes the proximity distancethreshold of the proximity detection unit 70 from TH1 to TH2, which isgreater than TH1. The purpose is to switch display from the display 54to the EVF 56 earlier when shifting to eyepiece imaging. The systemcontrol unit 30 starts to measure an elapsed time from the eyepieceimaging preparation motion. Determining whether the object is inproximity can be based on the use of something other than the proximitydistance itself as a threshold like TH1 and TH2. For example,determining whether the object is in proximity can be based on usingthresholds set with respect to the amount of light received by the lightreceiving element 308. In other words, the thresholds can be theproximity distance thresholds TH1 and TH2, the received amount of lightof the light receiving element 308, or other elements as long as thethresholds correspond to large and small proximity distances.

In step S421, the system control unit 30 determines whether the distancedetected by the proximity detection unit 70 is closer than the proximitydistance threshold, e.g., TH2. If the object is closer than theproximity distance threshold TH2 (YES in step S421), the processingproceeds to step S422. If not (NO in step S421), the processing proceedsto step S440. In step S440, the system control unit 30 determineswhether the elapsed time from the eyepiece imaging preparation motionhas reached T2. T2 is a threshold of time estimated to be typicallyneeded from when an eye piece imaging preparation motion is made to whenthe viewing window is viewed through. For example, T2 is set toapproximately 1 second. If the elapsed time from the eyepiece imagingpreparation motion has reached T2 (YES in step S440), i.e., if proximityis not detected within T2, the processing proceeds to step S441. If not(NO in step S440), the processing returns to step S421.

In step S441, the system control unit 30 changes the proximity distancethreshold of the proximity detection unit 70 back to the initial valueTH1. The processing then proceeds to step S417. If proximity is notdetected by the proximity detection unit 70 within T2 from the eyepieceimaging preparation motion, the motion detected in step S419 may not bethe motion for making preparations for eyepiece imaging. The systemcontrol unit 30 then changes the proximity distance threshold back tothe initial value TH1.

In step S422, the system control unit 30 changes the proximity distancethreshold of the proximity detection unit 70 back to the initial valueTH1. In step S423, the system control unit 30 switches display from thedisplay 54 to the EVF 56. More specifically, the system control unit 30hides display on the display 54 and drives the EVF 56 for display. Forexample, the EVF 56 displays a live view image captured by the imagesensor 42 and various types of setting information.

In step S424, the system control unit 30 obtains orientation detectioninformation output from the orientation detection unit 68, and performscalculation processing for determining whether the user is making awalking motion. In step S425, the system control unit 30 determineswhether a walking motion is detected from the calculation result of stepS424. If a walking motion is detected (YES in step S425), the processingproceeds to step S426. If no walking motion is detected (NO in stepS425), the processing proceeds to step S439.

In step S439, the system control unit 30 determines, based on thedetection output of the proximity detection unit 70, whether the userwithdraws the user's eye from the EVF 56. In step S439, if withdrawal ofthe user's eye is detected (YES in step S439), the processing proceedsto step S432. If withdrawal of the user's eye is not detected (NO instep S439), the processing returns to step S424. In step S424, thesystem control unit 30 determines again whether the user is making awalking motion. To detect withdrawal of the user's eye in step S439, theproximity detection unit 70 detects that the object changes from thestate of being in proximity to a state of not being in proximity. Theuser's eye can be determined to be withdrawn if the object is separatedfrom the proximity detection unit 70 by more than the same proximitydistance threshold TH1 as that during proximity detection. The user'seye can be determined to be withdrawn if the object is separated by adistance having hysteresis with respect to the proximity distancethreshold TH1.

In step S426, the system control unit 30 stops the detection operationof the proximity detection unit 70. In step S427, the system controlunit 30 changes the threshold of the power saving mode shift time of theimaging apparatus 10 from the initial value T0 to the shorter value T1.

In step S428, the system control unit 30 determines an input operationfrom the operation unit 36. If there is an input from the operation unit36 (YES in step S428), the processing proceeds to step S429. Here, asituation in which the user walks during eyepiece imaging is assumed. Ifthere is no input from the operation unit 36 (NO in step S428), theprocessing proceeds to step S433. Here, a situation is presumed in whichthe user walks with the imaging apparatus 10 not in use, i.e., aroundthe user's neck.

In step S429, the system control unit 30 changes the threshold of thepower saving mode shift time back to the initial value T0, and resetsand resumes the measurement of the non-operation time. The systemcontrol unit 30 also executes processing based on the input operationfrom the operation unit 36 (for example, processing for changing animaging setting and imaging processing). In step S430, the systemcontrol unit 30 resumes the operation of the proximity detection unit70.

In step S431, the system control unit 30 waits until the user's eye isdetected to be withdrawn based on the proximity detection output of theproximity detection unit 70. In step S431, if the user's eye is detectedto be withdrawn (YES in step S431), the processing proceeds to stepS432.

In step S432, the system control unit 30 switches display from the EVF56 to the display 54. More specifically, the system control unit 30stops driving and hides the display on the EVF 56, and drives thedisplay 54 into a displayable state. For example, the display 54displays a live view image captured by the image sensor 42 and varioustypes of setting information.

In step S428, if there is no input operation from the operation unit 36(NO in step S428), the processing proceeds to step S433. In step S433,the system control unit 30 determines whether the non-operation time hasreached T1. If the non-operation time has not reached T1 (NO in stepS433), the processing returns to step S428. If the non-operation timehas reached T1 (YES in step S433), the processing proceeds to step S434.

In step S434, the system control unit 30 changes the threshold of thepower saving mode shift time from T1 back to the initial value T0. Instep S435, the system control unit 30 changes the operation mode fromthe normal operation mode to the power saving mode. In step S436, thesystem control unit 30 waits for an input from the operation unit 36. Ifthere is an input from the operation unit 36 (YES in step S436), theprocessing proceeds to step S437. In step S437, the system control unit30 cancels the power saving mode and enters the normal operation mode.If the operation of the orientation detection unit 68 and the proximitydetection unit 70 has been stopped, the system control unit 30 resumesthe operation of the orientation detection unit 68 and the proximitydetection unit 70. The system control unit 30 also resets and resumesthe measurement of the non-operation time.

In step S417, the system control unit 30 determines whether the powerswitch 38 is turned off. If the power switch 38 is not turned off (NO instep S417), the processing returns to step S402. The system control unit30 then performs step S402 and subsequent steps again. If the powerswitch 38 is turned off (YES in step S417), the system control unit 30turns off the power of the camera main body 12.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are schematic diagrams illustrating arelationship between state transitions among an initial state beforeeyepiece imaging, detection of a swing-up motion, detection of a drawingmotion, and thresholds.

In the initial state before eyepiece imaging, as illustrated in FIG. 5A,an on-hand operation or live view imaging is assumed. When shifting froman on-hand operation state illustrated in FIG. 5A to eyepiece imaging,the user makes a swing-up motion as illustrated in FIG. 5B. A largechange in acceleration in a vertically upward direction is observed asan eyepiece imaging preparation motion. When shifting from a live viewimaging state to eyepiece imaging, the user makes a drawing motion asillustrated in FIG. 5C. A large change in acceleration in a horizontallyapproaching direction is observed as an eyepiece imaging preparationmotion.

During the motions illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 5C, if the orientationdetection unit 68 detects the eyepiece imaging preparation motion, theproximity distance threshold of the proximity detection unit 70 ischanged from the initial value TH1 to the greater TH2 value. Proximitycan thus be detected earlier than if the proximity distance threshold iskept at the threshold TH1. If proximity is not detected within thepredetermined time T2 in the state illustrated in FIG. 5B or 5C, thedetection is assumed to be erroneous and the state is restored to theinitial state illustrated in FIG. 5A. If proximity is detected withinthe time T2, display is switched to the EVF 56. This can reduce thedisplay switching time. If proximity is detected within the time T2 inthe state illustrated in FIG. 5B or 5C, the state is switched to a stateillustrated in FIG. 5D (display by the EVF 56).

If the orientation detection unit 68 detects a walking motion in stepS403 or S425, the system control unit 30 stops the detection operationof the proximity detection unit 70. This can avoid erroneous detectionof the proximity detection unit 70 during a walking motion. Searchingbetween detection and non-detection of proximity by the proximitydetection unit 70 due to the swinging of the camera main body 12 in awalking motion can be prevented, and thus, frequent switching of displaybetween the EVF 56 and the display 54 can be prevented. If a walkingmotion is detected, the power saving mode shift time can be changed toreduce the power consumption when the imaging apparatus 10 is not inuse.

The proximity detection operation of the proximity detection unit 70does not need to be stopped if a walking motion is detected. Instead,the switching of display (driving) and hiding (driving stopped) of theEVF 56 and the display 54 based on the detection result can be disabled.

In the present exemplary embodiment, if the user makes an eyepieceimaging preparation motion, the proximity distance threshold of theproximity detection unit 70 can be changed to reduce the switching timeof display from the display 54 to the EVF 56.

When the user makes a walking motion, the detection operation of theproximity detection unit 70 can be stopped and the power saving modeshift time can be changed to reduce the power consumption when theimaging apparatus 10 is not in use.

The present exemplary embodiment has been described by using the imagingapparatus 10 including two display units, the EVF 56 and the display 54as an example. However, an exemplary embodiment can be applied to anyelectronic apparatus that includes at least one display unit.

The proximity detection unit 70 is described to use the infraredprojection and reception-based proximity detection method. However, theproximity detection unit 70 can use capacitive and other methods. Theorientation detection unit 68 is described to use an accelerationsensor. However, sensors of other detection methods, such a gyro sensor,can be used.

The present invention is not limited to an imaging apparatus. Anexemplary embodiment is applicable to any electronic apparatus includinga display unit or units that perform similar control.

The above-described various types of controls performed by the systemcontrol unit 30 can be performed by a single piece of hardware. Aplurality of pieces of hardware can share processing to control theentire imaging apparatus.

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the threshold of proximitydetection is described to be changed based on orientation. In moregeneral terms, the threshold of proximity detection can be changed basedon a motion of the camera main body 12 or a degree thereof. In such acase, the orientation detection unit can be read as a motion detectionunit.

The above-described exemplary embodiment is not seen to be limiting, andvarious modes not departing from the essence of the exemplary embodimentare applicable. The above-described exemplary embodiment is just oneexemplary embodiment, and various exemplary embodiments can be combinedas appropriate.

The above-described exemplary embodiment discusses an example where animaging apparatus includes two display units. However, an exemplaryembodiment is applicable to any electronic apparatus that includes adisplay unit or display units and controls display on the displayunit(s) based on proximity. More specifically, an exemplary embodimentis applicable to a personal computer, a personal digital assistant(PDA), a mobile phone terminal, a portable image viewer, a printer, adigital photo frame, a music player, a game machine, an electronic bookreader, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, and a projection apparatus.

According to an exemplary embodiment, display can be appropriatelycontrolled based on proximity detection.

Other Embodiments

Embodiment(s) can also be realized by a computer of a system orapparatus that reads out and executes computer executable instructions(e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which mayalso be referred to more fully as a ‘non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium’) to perform the functions of one or more of theabove-described embodiment(s) and/or that includes one or more circuits(e.g., application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performingthe functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s), andby a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, forexample, reading out and executing the computer executable instructionsfrom the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of theabove-described embodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or morecircuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-describedembodiment(s). The computer may comprise one or more processors (e.g.,central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and mayinclude a network of separate computers or separate processors to readout and execute the computer executable instructions. The computerexecutable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example,from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include,for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), aread only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing systems, anoptical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD),or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™), a flash memory device, a memory card, and thelike.

While exemplary embodiments have been described, it is to be understoodthat the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplaryembodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded thebroadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications andequivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2016-109669, filed Jun. 1, 2016, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic apparatus comprising: a motiondetection unit configured to detect a motion of the electronicapparatus; a proximity detection unit configured to detect proximity ofan object; a display unit configured to be viewable when viewed throughan eyepiece part; and a control unit configured to, in a case whereproximity detection information from the proximity detection unitcorresponds to a distance closer than a threshold, perform control tostart display on the display unit, and configured to, in a case wherethe motion detection unit detects a first motion, change the thresholdto a value corresponding to a greater distance.
 2. The electronicapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first motion is a motion ofa user moving the electronic apparatus to view through the eyepiecepart.
 3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein thefirst motion is a motion including a predetermined amount or more ofchange in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction.
 4. Theelectronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit isconfigured to, in a case where the proximity detection unit does notdetect proximity before a predetermined time elapses after the firstmotion is detected, perform control to change the threshold back to avalue before change.
 5. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the control unit is configured to, in a case where the motiondetection unit detects a second motion that is different from the firstmotion, stop a detection operation of the proximity detection unit orstop the control of the display on the display unit based on a detectionresult from the proximity detection unit.
 6. The electronic apparatusaccording to claim 5, wherein the second motion is a motion of theelectronic apparatus when a user is walking with the electronicapparatus.
 7. The electronic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein thesecond motion is a periodic motion in a vertical direction or ahorizontal direction.
 8. The electronic apparatus according to claim 5,wherein the control unit is configured to, if the motion detection unitdetects the second motion, reduce a threshold of a non-operation timebefore the electronic apparatus enters a power saving mode.
 9. Theelectronic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit isconfigured to, if a user makes an operation after the detectionoperation of the proximity detection unit is stopped or after thecontrol of the display on the display unit based on the detection resultfrom the proximity detection unit is stopped, resume the detectionoperation of the proximity detection unit or resume the control of thedisplay on the display unit based on the detection result from theproximity detection unit.
 10. The electronic apparatus according toclaim 5, wherein the control unit is configured to, if the motiondetection unit detects the first motion after the detection operation ofthe proximity detection unit is stopped or after the control of thedisplay on the display unit based on the detection result from theproximity detection unit is stopped, resume the detection operation ofthe proximity detection unit or resume the control of the display on thedisplay unit based on the detection result from the proximity detectionunit.
 11. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thecontrol unit is configured to, in a case where the proximity detectioninformation from the proximity detection unit indicates a distancefarther than a threshold while the display unit performs display,performs control to end the display, wherein the threshold for endingthe display is a threshold irrelevant to whether the motion detectionunit detects the first motion.
 12. The electronic apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising a second display unit that is different fromthe display unit, the second display unit being configured to beviewable without viewing through the eyepiece part, wherein the controlunit is configured to switch display on the second display unit to thedisplay on the display unit based on proximity detection by theproximity detection unit, and switch the display on the display unit tothe display on the second display unit based on to non-detection ofproximity by the proximity detection unit.
 13. The electronic apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the electronic apparatus is an imagingapparatus including an imaging unit.
 14. An electronic apparatuscomprising: a motion detection unit configured to detect a motion of theelectronic apparatus; a proximity detection unit configured to detectproximity of an object; a display unit configured to be viewable whenviewed through an eyepiece part; and a control unit configured to, in acase where proximity detection information from the proximity detectionunit corresponds to a distance closer than a threshold, perform controlto start display on the display unit, and configured to, in a case wherethe motion detection unit detects a second motion, stop a detectionoperation of the proximity detection unit or stop the control of thedisplay on the display unit based on a detection result from theproximity detection unit.
 15. The electronic apparatus according toclaim 14, wherein the second motion is a motion of the electronicapparatus when a user is walking with the electronic apparatus.
 16. Theelectronic apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the second motion isa periodic motion in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction. 17.The electronic apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the control unitis configured to, if the motion detection unit detects the secondmotion, reduce a threshold of a non-operation time before the electronicapparatus enters a power saving mode.
 18. The electronic apparatusaccording to claim 14, wherein the control unit is configured to, if auser makes an operation after the detection operation of the proximitydetection unit is stopped or after the control of the display on thedisplay unit based on the detection result from the proximity detectionunit is stopped, resume the detection operation of the proximitydetection unit or resume the control of the display on the display unitbased on the detection result from the proximity detection unit.
 19. Theelectronic apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the electronicapparatus is an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit.
 20. Amethod for controlling an electronic apparatus including a motiondetection unit that detects a motion, a proximity detection unit thatdetects proximity of an object, and a display unit that is viewable whenviewed through an eyepiece part, the method comprising: performingcontrol to start display on the display unit in a case where proximitydetection information from the proximity detection unit corresponds to adistance closer than a threshold; and changing the threshold to a valuecorresponding to a greater distance in a case where the motion detectionunit detects a first motion.
 21. A method for controlling an electronicapparatus including a motion detection unit that detects a motion, aproximity detection unit that detects proximity of an object, and adisplay unit that is viewable when viewed through an eyepiece part, themethod comprising: performing control so that display on the displayunit is started in a case where proximity detection information from theproximity detection unit corresponds to a distance closer than athreshold; and stopping a detection operation of the proximity detectionunit or stopping the control of the display on the display unit based ona detection result from the proximity detection unit in a case where themotion detection unit detects a second motion.
 22. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium storing computer executableinstructions for causing a computer to execute a method for controllingan electronic apparatus including a motion detection unit that detects amotion, a proximity detection unit that detects proximity of an object,and a display unit that is viewable when viewed through an eyepiecepart, the method comprising: performing control to start display on thedisplay unit in a case where proximity detection information from theproximity detection unit corresponds to a distance closer than athreshold; and changing the threshold to a value corresponding to agreater distance in a case where the motion detection unit detects afirst motion.
 23. A non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumstoring computer-executable instructions for causing a computer toexecute a method for controlling an electronic apparatus including amotion detection unit that detects a motion, a proximity detection unitthat detects proximity of an object, and a display unit that is viewablewhen viewed through an eyepiece part, the method comprising: performingcontrol so that display on the display unit is started in a case whereproximity detection information from the proximity detection unitcorresponds to a distance closer than a threshold; and stopping adetection operation of the proximity detection unit or stopping thecontrol of the display on the display unit based on a detection resultfrom the proximity detection unit in a case where the motion detectionunit detects a second motion.